Kelza Posted June 7, 2010 Share Posted June 7, 2010 Ok I am a little excited and I know it is ages away, but it has been a goal of mine to attend Crufts and I have decided next year I am going :rolleyes: . We exported a puppy "Miss Sylvi" to Italy at the end of April, she has been successful and traveling allot (I'm very jealous) Germany, Slovenia etc, so I thought it is a good excuse to go visit her Who has been to Crufts? Is anyone else going next year? Any advice? Tips? Must do's? don't's? We are planning on doing some additional travelling, so suggestions and ideas are welcome. We hope to include as much as possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hetzer Posted June 7, 2010 Share Posted June 7, 2010 I've always wanted to check out Crufts - the sheer scale and status of the event would be amazing to experience first hand. Have a great time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozjen Posted June 7, 2010 Share Posted June 7, 2010 So,so jealous! I would love to go to Crufts and my sister and I are considering trying to get there some time in the next couple of years. We will have to take an empty suitcase and lots of pennies as I've heard that the dog stalls at Crufts are to die for. You will have to let us all know how it goes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Spotted Devil Posted June 7, 2010 Share Posted June 7, 2010 becks (DOLer) shows there regularly - I'm sure she knows all the ins and outs by now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelza Posted June 7, 2010 Author Share Posted June 7, 2010 I know the Crufts Schedule is Thursday 10 March 2011 Gundog Friday 11 March 2011 Working & Pastoral Saturday 12 March 2011 Terrier & Hound Sunday 13 March 2011 Toy & Utility I really wanted to see dancing with dogs as I have heard it is amazing, but I can't seem to find what day they are on... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
W Sibs Posted June 7, 2010 Share Posted June 7, 2010 First, I'm jealous! Second, have fun!! Never been but always wanted to go! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAX Posted June 7, 2010 Share Posted June 7, 2010 I went this year and am planning on going next year. My top tips would be to try and pack light, when you get there everything is on sale as it's the end of there Winter, the clothes there are so much better quality for warmth than what we can buy here. Stay at the Hilton or Crown (I think) for Crufts days, as it is right at the NEC so you don't have to drive. Everywhere you go is air conditioned so you just need good warm top layer clothes for getting from A to B. Keep your eye on the dollar and pound and buy your GBP when it is trading well. We were lucky and bought ours at 68 cents. You will spend a fortune on dog stuff if you are anything like me and my friends. Buy extra luggage weight before you go so you are not worried about the excess when you come home, we had thirty kilos each and just scraped in , I even bought an extra suitcase over there. Go to the pound shop over there (our equivelent of the 2 dollar shops) and get some vacumm bags, they are amazing, you wouldn't believe what you can suck in them, fold them into your suitcase before you start packing and sucking them, the hotels are happy to lend you a vacc. When you buy stuff at Crufts, if you say you are from a club you get amazing discounts, also the last day, sellers are very negotiable. If you plan to drive around the UK get a good Sat Nav and upload the maps before you leave, I did this and it was a blessing. Have a fab time, it is just amazing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RubyStar Posted June 7, 2010 Share Posted June 7, 2010 I'd love to go! Maybe in the future if I win Powerball or something Great tips PAX!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmoothieGirl Posted June 7, 2010 Share Posted June 7, 2010 I know the Crufts Schedule is Thursday 10 March 2011 Gundog Friday 11 March 2011 Working & Pastoral Saturday 12 March 2011 Terrier & Hound Sunday 13 March 2011 Toy & Utility I really wanted to see dancing with dogs as I have heard it is amazing, but I can't seem to find what day they are on... I've never been before, but this year the dancing dogs was on very early in the first couple of days of the event, I don't even know if they had started confirmation classes before they were awarding them. I watched some of it via live streaming. But lash out, go to all days, then you are bound to see them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puglvr Posted June 7, 2010 Share Posted June 7, 2010 I went there this year too!! Everything Pax said. However we flew with Emirates and had 40 kg of luggage + 15kg of carry on thank God. I was away for 5 weeks so needed it. Save, Save Save and then you'll have plenty of money to spend. We stayed at the Arden which was a 5 min walk. Plan on having just one day for shopping, I did and I was exhausted..... but happy. If you want to buy collar ect make sure you have your dogs size ect. Everything is airconditioned and we even found that the hotel rooms were too hot. We actually slept with the window open and just a sheet. We spent time in London and thoroughly enjoyed that. We went on a couple of day trips to Stonhenge, Windsor castle ect. Just enjoy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelza Posted June 8, 2010 Author Share Posted June 8, 2010 Thanks PAX for the great tips, will keep the hilton & crown in mind. I have a Navman so I will make sure I download the maps before I leave. SmoothieGirl that is great to know, as I would hate to miss it... Puglvr I think we will fly Emirates or alike as I really would love to stop in Dubai on the way home :D I think we are planning on going over for approx 4 weeks, so I am trying to work out what countries to visit. So many choices... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
becks Posted June 8, 2010 Share Posted June 8, 2010 http://www.crufts.org.uk/ that is the best link to find out what is going on each day. There are plenty of demos going on each day, so you will be able to see some dancing with dogs. Don't forget the Mary Ray demo just before the BIS judging. Crufts is now in several halls in the NEC and you will walk miles, so comfortable shoes are a must. A friend who has a bench is a help, so you have somewhere to dump your shopping/coats etc. Food is very expensive at the show, although not as bad as it used to be, now there is a dedicated food hall open. Arrive early to avoid the big crush to get in, if you are driving there it will also help you find a reasonable parking spot (though you may still want to get the shuttle bus to the halls or walk for 15 mins to get in - all part of the fun to walk in alongside the exhibitors) If you are interested in watching a breed being judged, you will definityly need at least one more day just to go around the show, there is a lot to see aside from the demo rings, discover dogs area, obedience ring, agility, etc etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
becks Posted June 8, 2010 Share Posted June 8, 2010 Should also add, make sure the dog you are coming to see if going to crufts, also has the pet passport sorted in time and contacted the KC for an ATC number so it can be entered in shows in the UK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelza Posted June 8, 2010 Author Share Posted June 8, 2010 http://www.crufts.org.uk/ that is the best link to find out what is going on each day. There are plenty of demos going on each day, so you will be able to see some dancing with dogs. Don't forget the Mary Ray demo just before the BIS judging.Crufts is now in several halls in the NEC and you will walk miles, so comfortable shoes are a must. A friend who has a bench is a help, so you have somewhere to dump your shopping/coats etc. Food is very expensive at the show, although not as bad as it used to be, now there is a dedicated food hall open. Arrive early to avoid the big crush to get in, if you are driving there it will also help you find a reasonable parking spot (though you may still want to get the shuttle bus to the halls or walk for 15 mins to get in - all part of the fun to walk in alongside the exhibitors) If you are interested in watching a breed being judged, you will definityly need at least one more day just to go around the show, there is a lot to see aside from the demo rings, discover dogs area, obedience ring, agility, etc etc. I've saved the website as a favorite so I can keep up to date The Mary Ray demo just before the BIS judging I am told is a must see, so if all else fails I will make sure I get to see this. Thanks for the tips - big help, I think I am going to be overwhelmed.... so much to do and see I won't know where to begin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bindii Posted June 8, 2010 Share Posted June 8, 2010 Ok I am a little excited and I know it is ages away, but it has been a goal of mine to attend Crufts and I have decided next year I am going ;) . And I'm tagging along!! :D So so so so so excited!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puglvr Posted June 8, 2010 Share Posted June 8, 2010 We did a tour in Italy and it was fabulous. We also stayed in the South of France to visit mmy niece and that was loovely too. Disneyland Paris was a let down but we did enjoy Paris. We had 4 lovely days in Ireland. We enjoyed Dubai but it is no way near as lovely as Europe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
becks Posted June 8, 2010 Share Posted June 8, 2010 You will need to buy a separate ticket to watch the main ring/BIS events on the final night, all other evenings are free to enter as are the day time events. Get one of the maps they hand out to hang around your neck, it really helps to find your way around. Each of the stands has a number with hall number and stand number - make a note of both if you want to go back to buy or collect something, it is very easy to get turned around when you aren't used to the layout. Samoyeds are in our pastoral group (just incase you didn't know, sure you did!) which is the friday next year. Travel by car on a friday around birmingham is a major headache, so arrive early and leave late to avoid the worst. If you can get the train, the station in close by as is the airport. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsD Posted June 8, 2010 Share Posted June 8, 2010 We went to Crufts last year & had a ball, ended up bringing dog beds back & everything else under the sun . Everyone else has given good advice, the only thing I can add is that the DwD is normally broken up into 3 days. Usually Thursday is UK Freestyle, Friday is UK Heelwork to Music & Saturday is International Freestyle, & is in the main arena. Sunday night is Mary's pre BIS routine. As for other places to go, it depends on what you want to see, where you want to go & how much you want to spend, last year we spent soooo much money going to Ireland for a week but spent only about a third of that travelling around France for 2 weeks. Italy is my favourite, I just adored everything there , I'd love to go back but next year's trip looks like it will be Spain, the UK & US. I've never been to Scotland but Wales is very pretty & the top end of England is gorgeous too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAX Posted June 8, 2010 Share Posted June 8, 2010 Oh yeah, pre purchase your tickets to Crufts, the BIS tickets are seperate to the rest. I am not into dog showing but loved the BIS, it was great except for the crazy protesters...lol. The plane trip is so bad, be nice to be rich and go first class. Wear comfy clothing for the mega flight, and remeber it is going to be cold when you land so pack a warm coat in your travel onboard luggage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelza Posted June 9, 2010 Author Share Posted June 9, 2010 You will need to buy a separate ticket to watch the main ring/BIS events on the final night, all other evenings are free to enter as are the day time events.Get one of the maps they hand out to hang around your neck, it really helps to find your way around. Each of the stands has a number with hall number and stand number - make a note of both if you want to go back to buy or collect something, it is very easy to get turned around when you aren't used to the layout. BIS is a must so thanks for the tip :D I love shopping (normally impluse buy), but will make sure I get a map to go back We went to Crufts last year & had a ball, ended up bringing dog beds back & everything else under the sun .Everyone else has given good advice, the only thing I can add is that the DwD is normally broken up into 3 days. Usually Thursday is UK Freestyle, Friday is UK Heelwork to Music & Saturday is International Freestyle, & is in the main arena. Sunday night is Mary's pre BIS routine. As for other places to go, it depends on what you want to see, where you want to go & how much you want to spend, last year we spent soooo much money going to Ireland for a week but spent only about a third of that travelling around France for 2 weeks. Italy is my favourite, I just adored everything there :D , I'd love to go back but next year's trip looks like it will be Spain, the UK & US. I've never been to Scotland but Wales is very pretty & the top end of England is gorgeous too. I am scared I will buy everything I see We are planning Crufts at the start of the trip... maybe we should make it at the end, with all the shopping I sound like I'll be doing. Thank you so much for the info on DwD. Did you watch any of them? If so what did you like best? The only places we are set on going are England, Ireland, Italy and Dubai I do want to see as much as possible The plane trip is so bad, be nice to be rich and go first class. :D Wear comfy clothing for the mega flight, and remeber it is going to be cold when you land so pack a warm coat in your travel onboard luggage. I went to the USA in 2005, and that was a long trip... I keep forgetting it is going to be nice & cold when we arrive so I will make sure I have my Samoyed scraf and a warm jacket prepared. Thank you so much everyone for the tips and advice, it will make us get the most out of it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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